Religious Society of Friends

Quakerism properly refers to
The Religious Society of Friends, whose members are commonly
known as Quakers. It was founded in England in the 17th century by
Christians who were dissatisfied with the existing denominations
and teaching of established churches. Historians generally credit
George Fox (1624-1691) with being the
principal founder or most important early leader of this
organization.

The title Friends was adopted in 1652, the religious group being
previously called Children of the Light and
Friends of the Truth. The Puritan magistrate Gervase Bannett at
Derby first used the term Quakers in 1650 after witnessing the
trembling of Friends under religious fervour.